by ‘Ifreke Inyang

Liverpool. Istanbul. Penalties.

You would expect one result, right? Well, this is 2015, not 2005.

The Reds failed to repeat their Champions League final heroics in Turkey as Besiktas kicked them out of the lesser fancied Europa League.

Tolgay Arslan levelled the tie on aggregate, after Mario Balotelli’s infamous penalty had given Brendan Rodgers a slim lead coming into the second leg.

Liverpool were seeking to use the competition as gateway to the Champions League, as the winner gets an automatic pass.

It is instructive to note that Liverpool dropped into Europa from the Champions League – Basle finished in second place ahead of the Premier League side.

It is not as if the English teams left in the elite competition are performing any better. Arsenal were whooped by Monaco 3-1 on their own turf, in a classic smash-and-grab win. Manchester City almost lost by the same margin at the Etihad, but were saved by Lionel Messi’s failure from 12 yards.

All in all, it has been a dreadful week for EPL sides in Europe and only Chelsea truly stand a chance of flying England’s flag, by the time the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 fixtures are concluded.

ifreke

Ifreke Inyang is a public commentator and social media critic who has worked with a number of high profile publications across the country.